City marks National AccessAbility Week with focus on inclusive spaces and services

On May 26, City Hall will light up red in honour of National AccessAbility Week (NAW), which runs from May 25 to 31, and Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion (May 28). 

This week celebrates the valuable contributions and leadership of people with disabilities, and progress toward more inclusive communities, while also recognizing there is still work to do. 

“The City of Kingston is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all residents," says Derek Ochej, Deputy City Clerk. “We are actively removing barriers, while working to prevent new ones from being created.” 

Phase 2 of Accessibility Plan open for feedback

As part of NAW, the City is launching the next phase of its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP). From May 26 through June 16, residents can review the draft plan and share feedback. 

The MYAP guides accessibility for City-run facilities, public spaces and services. It does not apply to private businesses, which fall under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Ontario Building Code.  

This summer, staff will consider comments received in this phase. The final draft will be formalized in a report to the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee for recommendation to Council. The new plan will be in effect from 2026 to 2028. 

“Your input will help shape a plan that reflects real needs and priorities,” says Ochej. “We encourage everyone to take part.”  

Read the draft and provide feedback at GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca/Accessibility-Plan. 

We are committed to making engagement accessible with alternative methods: 

• Request an alternate format for any communications and public engagement documents by calling 613-546-0000 or emailing contactus@cityofkingston.ca. 
• Offer your feedback by mail. Call 613-546-0000 to request a postage-paid and pre-addressed envelope. 
• Offer feedback by phone by calling 613-546-0000 and speaking to a Customer Experience Agent. 

Creating spaces and services that include everyone 

Inclusive Play Project

This week, the City is highlighting work underway at Shannon Park through the Inclusive Play Project. This community-led effort is reimagining the playground as a space where all children can play, learn and grow together. 

While accessible play spaces ensure that people with disabilities can use them, inclusive spaces go further by incorporating elements that allow everyone to participate together. These spaces blend classic and specialized playground features, like inclusive merry-go-rounds and gliders that enable children using mobility devices to play alongside others, roller slides that reduce static for cochlear implant users, and fencing to help mitigate the risk of wandering or elopement. 

"The Inclusive Play Project has become so much more than a fundraising initiative,” says Rachel Doornekamp, Inclusive Play Project. “It has become a movement, raising awareness about the importance of inclusive play here in Kingston. The project has drawn widespread community support, with local families sharing stories about how this playground will enhance their children’s lives. “ 

“We have learned so much about the importance of this inclusive playground, not only for children with physical disabilities but also caregivers who might use a mobility aid, or seniors with sensory needs who might benefit from the outdoor musical instruments,” Doornekamp adds.

“The playground will also have a fence, which is an absolute game-changer for children with autism who are an elopement risk. Kingston needs more inclusive community spaces, and we are honoured to help make our wonderful city a more inclusive place to live -- because playgrounds should be for everyone.”  

Transit accessibility 

Later this year, Kingston Transit will launch a public awareness campaign timed with fall’s peak ridership. The campaign will promote shared responsibility for making transit inclusive for all riders. 

“These efforts reflect a broader goal to ensure City spaces and services aren’t just meeting accessibility requirements, but welcoming and inclusive for everyone,” says Ochej. 

Learn about the City’s new Playground Accessibility Plan with community workshops in June 

The City is inviting residents to help shape the direction of the City’s new Playground Accessibility Plan. This plan will guide the equitable development, renovation and enhancement of the City’s playgrounds over the next ten years. 

"Play is essential to a child’s development and to the well-being of our communities,” says Amy Elgersma, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services. “With every new playground we build or renovate, we strive to create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible spaces for everyone. The Playground Accessibility Plan will guide us over the next decade to ensure our investments in play are thoughtful, equitable, and responsive to community needs.”  

An in-person project workshop for the community takes place on June 11, and an online one is planned for June 12. The complete workshop and project details are available on the project page on Get Involved Kingston. This is also where you can ask questions and offer feedback as the project moves forward.  

Public input is important in developing this plan and will occur in various forms throughout the spring, summer and early fall of 2025. To stay connected and receive updates on future opportunities to provide feedback, visit Get Involved Kingston and follow the project.